The Scoop: Momo Ghar sets opening date, Cravings Cafe opens Monday

Friday

Sep 22, 2017 at 4:06 PM

Plus, Hai Poke opens in the Short North and other Columbus dining news.

Erin Edwards Dining Editor | Digital Editor

Momos hit the North Market in one week. The Nepali dumpling eatery Momo Ghar (one of our Best New Restaurants of 2016) opens its North Market location Friday, Sept. 29. This is the second location of owner Phuntso Lama’s small eatery, which specializes in hand made Nepali and Tibetan momos (dumplings), thukpa soup and other Himalayan specialties.

Cravings Café opens Monday, Sept. 25 at 114 N. Front St. The husband-and-wife team of Lindsey and Matt Tewanger first opened Cravings Carryout Café in Italian Village but was forced to close in September 2015 after the landlord would not renew the lease. The pair chose to relocate Downtown, taking over the building that once housed Saigon Palace Restaurant. After gutting the space, Lindsey says she and her husband are thrilled to start the next chapter. “We have had a long time think through all the aspects of Cravings on Front and are ready to see it all become a reality,” Lindsey wrote via email. “Matt and I think that the space is perfect for our concept and can't wait to show everyone!” The 1,600-square-foot café seats 15 and will be open for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Menu items include baked goods, a breakfast burrito, smoked salmon pierogies, soups, sandwiches and salads. Cravings will offer Thunderkiss coffee, cold brew and iced teas.

Local poke trendsetter Hai Poke celebrates the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar restaurant this weekend. Owners Mico Cordero and Nile Woodson have gained a loyal following through their food truck and pop-ups at Oddfellows Liquor Bar, PurePressed Juicery and Zauber Brewing Co. (now rebranded Endeavor Brewing Co.). Located at 647 N. High St. in the Short North, Hai Poke will serve its signature tuna, salmon, tofu and vegetarian bowls from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. You can read about Cordero and Woodson in our 2017 Tastemakers profile here.

Endeavor Brewing Co. will hold its grand opening tomorrow at 909 W. 5th Ave. The event kicks off at 7 a.m. with English Premier League soccer and continues until 11 p.m. Our resident expert recommends Endeavor’s Belgian witbier and pilsner.

Owner Vicki Hink has opened her third location of The Angry Baker, this time a small retail bakery at 1247 N. High St. in the Short North. The Angry Baker got its start in Olde Towne East in 2011 and Hink added a Victorian Village restaurant and bakery in 2016.

Tot Vietnamnoms at 3108 Kingsdale Center in Upper Arlington has closed. It is being replaced by Bonsai, an Asian concept from the owners of Japanese Oriental, which also closed recently in the University District. Tot’s owner Khanh Le is now helping his parents run their North Market eatery Lan Viet Market.

Easton’s Edamame Sushi and Grill has closed after nine years. Its sister restaurant Asian Gourmet and Sushi Bar remains open at 1325 Stonebridge Drive in Gahanna.